3 ms·

I had reduced mobility for months, many years ago. Even though I was already aware of just how difficult it would be to get around, living through it gave a sh

I had reduced mobility for months, many years ago. Even though I was already aware of just how difficult it would be to get around, living through it gave a shocking amount of perspective. Some of the disability accommodations (disability parking) were pure bullshit. Elevators and ramps were godsends. A large, standing shower without steps and room for a stool were musts. A taste of what’s to come, when I get older. I don’t really see any real solution either, other than prepping.

stordoff 6y ago
I'm not sure what you mean about parking. I have a disability, and personally, parking is the most important adaptation.
- indymike 6y ago
  Grew up with a father who was in a full-time wheelchair. Issue one was availability of spaces. It was amazing to watch people park, hop out of their car and jog in to the store (Dad would say, "being brain dead is a disability, too.). Second issue was having enough space to open the ramp (I'll never forget the time someone parked next to the ramp side door as we were leaving the store. I asked the guy to move and he said no. Fortunately, on my way out a police officer was coming into the store... the county impound moved the car). Third issue is that sometimes the distance between parking and store entrance was quite far.
- nobodyandproud 6y ago
  My beef with it is that people who don’t need the parking manage to get it. Meanwhile, I technically didn’t qualify for disability so I still had to move through the hard way once I was able to drive again. It’s somehow an abused system.
elliekelly 6y ago
I think it’s important to remember that accommodations accommodate a wide range of people and so they’re not one-size-fits all. A parking spot might have been a “bullshit” accommodation for your situation but for others it might be absolutely critical. If an accommodation isn’t necessary for someone’s disability they’re free to leave it open for someone who does.

stordoff 6y ago

I'm not sure what you mean about parking. I have a disability, and personally, parking is the most important adaptation.

indymike 6y ago
Grew up with a father who was in a full-time wheelchair. Issue one was availability of spaces. It was amazing to watch people park, hop out of their car and jog in to the store (Dad would say, "being brain dead is a disability, too.). Second issue was having enough space to open the ramp (I'll never forget the time someone parked next to the ramp side door as we were leaving the store. I asked the guy to move and he said no. Fortunately, on my way out a police officer was coming into the store... the county impound moved the car). Third issue is that sometimes the distance between parking and store entrance was quite far.
nobodyandproud 6y ago
My beef with it is that people who don’t need the parking manage to get it. Meanwhile, I technically didn’t qualify for disability so I still had to move through the hard way once I was able to drive again. It’s somehow an abused system.

elliekelly 6y ago

I think it’s important to remember that accommodations accommodate a wide range of people and so they’re not one-size-fits all. A parking spot might have been a “bullshit” accommodation for your situation but for others it might be absolutely critical. If an accommodation isn’t necessary for someone’s disability they’re free to leave it open for someone who does.